Report reveals renewables potential of Scottish islands

Scotland’s islands are home to some of Europe’s best renewable energy resources. From wind,wave and tidal, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland could supply up to 5% of Britain’s electricity demand by 2030.

And a new report published by the Scottish government indicates the islands could benefit from up to £725 million over the next 25 years from renewables projects.

With appropriate investment in grid infrastructure and generating assets, renewable energy deployment on the Islands could grow rapidly by the early 2020s.

Commenting on the report from Stornoway where he was attending the Convention of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland’s energy minister, Fergus Ewing said: “This report confirms the potential of the vast renewable resources of our islands. They are arguably the best places in Europe to deliver renewable energy. The wind speeds are the strongest and they have the best potential for wave and tidal energy in the future.